‘The teenage years are the best years of one’s life.’ Would you agree with this view? (CAMBRIDGE NOV 1994)

Yes, to a certain extent i do believe that the teenage years are the best years of one’s life. At such a young age one hardly has much to worry about when it comes to politics, taxes and being a breadwinner for the family, although there are few exceptions. The teenage years are also probably the only few years where one can make true friends. Once they step out into the real world they never know what kind of people they would meet. As teenagers mostly people would not make a friend because of an ulterior motive, however as an adult there are people who stop at nothing for example pretending to be your friend only to stab you in the back just to rise to the top. Therefore, teenage years are the best as one has to worry less.

However, being a teenage is by no means a bed of roses. Teenage years consists of its own its troubles and pains. Being in a competitive society like singapore, even teenagers are not spared. For their whole life till they become an adult, they are constantly competing with their peers. In this society what is most important is the piece of paper called a degree. So for their child's 'own good' parents push their children all the way through their academic life hoping one day they may be somebody. However, this constant pushing since a young tender age takes it toll on people, especially teenagers as this is when they start to have thoughts and opinions of their own. Teenagers start to ge 'emo' feeling the world is a painful place, although not totally because of studies but other social problems they may face as well. Thus teenage years may not be the best of one's life as just getting through it unscathed may prove to be a tough job.